Florida Risperdal Lawsuits Move Forward

Florida patients and families of those that have taken Risperdal may be following a number of court trials that will soon begin in Pennsylvania. The start dates of three of those suits have now been changed via a September 24, 2014 court order.

The order came from the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, and it moves the Goldenburg vs. Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., Etal, trial back to November 3, 2014. It was originally scheduled to begin on September 29, 2014. Also, PP Etal vs. Ortho-McNeil-Janssen-Pharmaceuticals, Inc. will now commence on January 3, 2015, instead of on November 3, 2014. Finally, WC Etal vs. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is now set to get underway on an unspecified date in February 2015.

The Challenge of Male Breast Enlargement

Hundreds of lawsuits have thus far been filed in Pennsylvania that pertain to the antipsychotic medication, Risperdal. There have been claims of unwanted male breast enlargement, and some suits also cite alleged improprieties in marketing the drug.

In Florida, some of those that have been diagnosed with gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) have considered filing a Risperdal lawsuit due to the adverse impact of gynecomastia.

What is the Medication Risperdal?

Risperdal (risperidone) is a drug that has received FDA approval in the treatment of certain specific mental conditions like schizophrenia, autism-associated irritability and bipolar mania. The FDA first approved its use in adults in 1994, and it was approved for use in those under 18 in 2006.

Risperdal is formulated to regulate the brain’s dopamine levels, which in turn may modify adverse psychiatric symptoms in certain cases. The fact that Risperdal has also been shown to elevate prolactin levels has been a cause for concern, because increased prolactin can cause breast enlargement, swelling and tenderness. Unwanted breast enlargement, especially in some male adolescents, has been related to negative emotional and social experiences. In some cases, a Risperdal lawsuit has been filed.

Controversy has also arisen because of claims that the drug’s manufacturer marketed Risperdal for unapproved uses. In 2012, a $181 million settlement was reached that addressed marketing improprieties. The attorney generals of 36 states were involved in the settlement. In 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice fined the manufacturer $2.2 million for improperly marketing Risperdal.

A Study in Denmark Involving Risperdal

In May 2014, results of a Danish study were published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Researchers in Denmark followed 48,299 youth that took antipsychotic medications like Risperdal during a 12-year period from 1999 to 2010. Researchers analyzed the data and concluded that children on antipsychotics developed type 2 Diabetes at an increased rate when compared to the control group.

Florida patients that may have been prescribed Risperdal prior to developing the condition called gynecomastia may be able to file a Risperdal lawsuit that seeks compensation for the medical expenses and emotional distress that may have resulted. Some of those with male breast enlargement have undergone liposuction treatments or even breast reduction surgery.

Could You Be Eligible for a Risperdal Lawsuit in Florida?

At Attorney Group for Florida, we can help answer questions that you may have regarding Risperdal lawsuits. We offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your options, and if you decide to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney that can assist you in the legal process. Contact us today to learn more.

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